Netflix sets Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Matilda as new Roald Dahl adaptations
By Renee Hansen
Netflix has some exciting news. Variety has reported that the streamer has acquired the Roald Dahl Story Company (RDSC) and has extensive plans to expand that universe. The first projects will be Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Matilda adaptations.
In 2018, a deal was struck between RDSC and Netflix, which would produce many animated TV series. The initial deal gave the streamer access to 16 titles for animated adaptations. The new deal gives Netflix the rights to the entire catalog of the author’s works.
Dahl, who died at the age of 74 in1990, has sold over 300 million copies of his books, printed in 63 languages. The titles include Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator, The BFG, The Twits, George’s Marvellous Medicine and The Enormous Crocodile.
This deal could lead to other business ventures within this universe including gaming, live events and merchandising.
Netflix to adapt Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Matilda
The first project, which was part of the initial deal, will be a limited series based on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory that is helmed by visionary Taika Waititi and Phil Johnston (Wreck-It Ralph). This version will have its own unique spin on the Oompa-Loompas.
Additionally, Sony and Working Title are making a live-action musical adaptation of the stage production of Matilda. This feature will be directed by Matthew Warchus and star Emma Thompson, Lashana Lynch and introduce Alisha Weir as Matilda. This project has a release date of 2022.
This is a huge acquisition for the streamer that will open up many new opportunities. Netflix has made many first-look deals with top names like Shonda Rhimes of Shondaland, Zach Snyder and his Army of the Dead projects, Guillermo del Toro for TV series and movies exclusively for the streamer, Ryan Murphy and Shawn Levy to only name a few.
Are you excited for all of the great Roald Dahl possibilities this opens up for Netflix?